Gurugram, India: Less than three weeks after playing a key role in the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation’s (APGC) retention of the Bonallack Trophy, Kartik Singh wrote himself a slice of golfing history.
The 15-year-old followed an opening 77 at International Series India presented by DLF with a second-round 71.
With a 36-hole total of four-over 148 at DLF Golf and Country Club, Singh became the youngest player from the sub-continent to make the cut on the Asian Tour.
This is only Singh’s second appearance in a professional tournament, having competed on the Asian Development Tour in Malaysia last year.
The high-profile event in Delhi has given the talented teen the chance to learn from the best in the world with two-time Major winner Bryson DeChambeau, home favourite Anirban Lahiri and fellow LIV Golf League star Joaquin Niemann in a strong field.
Familiarity with his home course played to Singh’s advantage. He said: “It feels unreal playing with Bryson. Normally I'm looking at him on TV, and here I’m playing with him in the same tournament. It’s a great experience.
“This is my home course, so I definitely have that advantage. If I play my game, I’m able to compete with the pros.
“I played quite well. I was four-under after 11 holes, but it’s okay (to finish at one-under). I’m happy with one-under-par on this course. Yesterday was not that good, but I’m happy that I was able to make the cut.”
The tournament, located in Gurugram on the outskirts of Delhi, has been affected by fog with round two only finishing on Saturday afternoon, and round three starting at 3:30 pm local time.
Singh is the reigning All India Junior champion and was a member of the APGC team that defeated the European Golf Association in the Ryder Cup-style Bonallack Trophy in the UAE in the second week of January. He was also a member of the International Team at last year’s Junior Presidents Cup.
Singh praised his support team for his successes.
He said: “My family has always supported me since I started golf. My coach, ‘DP’, has helped me with my game, and DLF Golf Academy have also helped me with my practice.
“I was practicing elsewhere the last three weeks, so I came back on Saturday. I only played this week, like the tournament week, only the normal practice round so I wasn’t able to play the course beforehand, but I know it so well.”
